Note to Editors: For those outside the Vancouver, Wash. and Portland, Ore. area, a number of lines will be available through our FreeConferenceCall.com conference bridge. The dial in number for the conference is (605) 990-0100. The access code is 1009678 followed by #.

The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.